Systems and methods for automatic link calibration include subsequent to installation of equipment for the amplified optical section, obtaining power measurements of optical spectrum in the optical section; obtaining properties of fiber in the amplified optical link; analyzing the power measurements and the properties of the fiber to determine settings for the equipment for calibration thereof; and automatically configuring the settings for the equipment. The settings are based on the power measurements and the properties of the fiber to achieve a target launch power per span in the amplified optical section, and wherein the target launch power is based on Optical Signal-to-Noise Ratio (OSNR) and non-linearity in the amplified optical section.